The recent Solheim Cups have been remarkably balanced affairs, with no clear dominance emerging between Team Europe and Team USA. As the newest edition approaches, there is little to suggest that the contest will break this pattern.
Anna Nordqvist’s European squad is set to chase the trophy on familiar ground at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This comes just two years after a 15.5‑12.5 defeat in Virginia, which marked Europe’s first loss in the biennial event since 2017.
While the Ryder Cup has often produced decisive margins in recent years—aside from the dramatic comeback by the United States at Bethpage Black in 2023—the Solheim Cup has tended to deliver far tighter finishes. In fact, the last three Solheim Cups staged in Europe have produced the three closest outcomes in the tournament’s history. The 2015 and 2019 editions were decided by a single point, and the 2023 match ended in an unprecedented 14‑14 tie. Each of those contests offered its own brand of drama.
In 2015, Team USA staged a record‑breaking singles rally to snatch victory, while in 2019 Suzann Pettersen sank the decisive putt on the 18th green to hand Europe a memorable win at Gleneagles. The 2023 showdown in Spain was equally thrilling: after being swept in the opening Friday session, Europe clawed back, with Pettersen’s side ultimately securing the 14 points needed to retain the cup. Looking back to 2011 in Dublin, Europe’s margin of victory was a slim two points, a result influenced by Cristie Kerr’s injury‑forced withdrawal during the singles.
Over the past four contests on European soil, the combined winning differential has been a mere six points, underscoring just how evenly matched the two sides have become. This year’s line‑ups mirror that balance.
Both teams feature players who are in excellent form, occupy similar positions in the world rankings, and bring substantial Solheim Cup experience. Predicting which side will lift the trophy on Sunday evening is therefore as challenging as ever. Team Europe often assumes the underdog role in the Solheim Cup because the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings typically show a greater number of Americans in the upper echelons. Nevertheless, Europe now boasts more players inside the top ten than the United States, narrowing the perceived gap.
Charley Hull marks her eighth consecutive appearance for Europe, while world No. 7 Lottie Woad, though technically a rookie to the Solheim Cup, has already captured two LPGA Tour titles within a little over a year of turning professional. Nordqvist can also count on five of the world’s top‑35 players: Esther Henseleit, who surged after a runner‑up finish at the AIG Women’s Open, and both Maja Stark and Celine Boutier, who are regular contenders on the LPGA Tour. Team USA, on the other hand, enjoys depth in the rankings, with nine players inside the top‑50.
Their lowest‑ranked participant, rookie Lindy Duncan, sits at world No. 66. By contrast, five European players—including all four of the captain’s picks—rank outside that threshold. "I firmly believe it will come down to home advantage," veteran Dame Laura Davies told the Sky Sports Golf podcast.
"The atmosphere will be electric, and our girls will be playing in front of a huge crowd. On paper, the Americans will probably be favorites because they all compete on the LPGA Tour, but home advantage makes a huge difference." Aside from Nelly Korda’s spectacular start to the LPGA season—four victories and no finish worse than eighth over ten tournaments—few players from either side have added to their winner’s résumé in 2026.
Lauren Coughlin’s triumph at the Aramco Championship is the sole American Solheim Cup member’s LPGA win this year, while Boutier and Woad are the only Europeans to have claimed victories on U.S. soil. Hull, who captured the PIF Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour in February, entered the competition with confidence after her 6&4 defeat of Korda in the Sunday singles two years earlier.
She already holds 15 Solheim Cup match wins—the most by any player under 30—and only Annika Sörenstam boasts a higher winning‑points percentage among frequent European representatives. Davies urged Hull to "step up and lead" Europe again, citing her powerful tee shots and relaxed demeanor. Nordqvist echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Hull’s world No.
8 status and her potential impact on the team’s quest to retain the cup. "You just have to let Charley be Charley," Nordqvist said to Sky Sports.
"She lights up the team room with her personality, and I can’t wait to see her tee it up." Earlier in the season, Nordqvist’s vice‑captains suggested she consider a captain’s pick for herself after strong summer performances, but the Swedish captain opted to fill those spots with four younger players. A tied‑seventh finish at the Evian Championship, followed by two top‑30 showings, sparked the discussion, as did Georgia Hall’s failure to qualify for the first time since 2015 and Madelene Sägström’s absence due to maternity. The roster also features Leona Maguire, the hero of Europe’s 2021 victory on foreign soil, along with rising talents Julia Lopez Ramirez, Nastasia Nadaud, and Mimi Rhodes, who will now test themselves on golf’s biggest stage. "We have a lot of power in this group and I think we’ll be very strong this year," Nordqvist added.
"It will be a big change, but we have a solid core that will make everyone feel comfortable and confident." Historically, Europe’s decision to select three rookies as captain’s picks—first in 2011 and again in 2021—has paid dividends with victories. Nordqvist hopes to complete a hat‑trick of wins by repeating that strategy.
Who will ultimately claim the Solheim Cup? Catch Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days of action streamed from September 11‑13 on Sky Sports Golf. View the latest Sky Sports offers or stream without a contract on NOW.